Posted on 3rd Oct
A programme designed to rehabilitate young people involved in anti-social behaviour and wildlife crime has reduced offences by half in two years.
In early 2021, officers from the Newark neighbourhood policing team began to see an increase in reports from members of the public that wild birds were being illegally shot and killed with catapults at Balderton Lake and other green spaces in the area.
The team’s specialist rural and wildlife crime officers quickly identified that groups of young teenage boys were responsible and began increased uniformed and plain-clothes patrols to catch the offenders and reassure members of the public.
In addition, the officers developed an educational programme, known as Operation Swift, that is delivered in primary schools to Year 5 and 6 pupils across Newark.
As part of the scheme, pupils learn about wildlife offences and build bird boxes, that are erected nearby, with the focus of engaging with young people, deterring anti-social behaviour and rural crime, and interrupting the cycle of offending from an early age.
Since the programme was launched, officers have visited every primary school in the Newark area and delivered the scheme to more than 1,000 schoolchildren.
Young people who have been involved in wildlife offences are referred into a scheme run in partnership with Hill Holt Wood for further support, which has seen between 50 and 100 people take part.
Hill Holt Wood is a social enterprise based in woodland that provides a college for those who struggle to access mainstream education and operates a referral programme for school-aged learners.
Young people spend the first half of the day in the classroom learning about the laws regarding wildlife crime. In the afternoon they complete a conservation task outside, which can include clearing invasive species or building dead hedges.
Early results indicate that Operation Swift has reduced slingshot and catapult offences in Newark by 50 per cent since the scheme launched two years ago. Arson offences have also been reduced by 29 per cent.
Since delivering the programme in primary schools, officers have also received an increase in calls from children aged nine and 10 to report incidents in their area.
Sgt Rob Harrison, of Nottinghamshire Police, developed the programme and referral scheme alongside his team of officers.
“Every one of our wildlife crime offenders was a child once,” he said. “Our badger baiters, our poachers, our hare coursers, and our animal abusers that are out there hunting and illegally trapping animals — they didn’t get there overnight, it was a gradual process of learning.
“We want to stop that today. So, this isn’t just about short-term enforcement, it’s about changing mindset and education.
“Wildlife crime is the fourth largest crime type in the world, only behind firearms, drugs, and human trafficking. This isn’t just about stopping offences today; it’s about stopping offences tomorrow and the next day.
“Education is key – find out what’s on your doorstep, explore it and enjoy it, but don’t abuse it, as we will not hesitate to take appropriate diversionary or enforcement action.”
